Election Preparations Expand as December 2026 Vote Approaches

Civic and voter education is expanding across the states, but significant questions remain about readiness, inclusion, security and political trust.

South Sudan’s election preparations have entered a more public phase, with civic and voter education campaigns launched in several states ahead of the general elections planned for 22 December 2026.

The National Elections Commission has reported launches in Jonglei, Unity, Western Equatoria and Western Bahr el Ghazal, with officials emphasizing voter rights, registration and peaceful participation.

Readiness questions remain

In an August briefing to the UN Security Council, UNMISS chief Anita Kiki Gbeho said political discussion was increasingly dominated by the elections but warned that concerns were growing over whether the conditions needed for credible, peaceful and inclusive elections could be established in time.

Election watch

South Sudan Press will track voter education, registration, electoral funding, political inclusion, security, media access and observer accreditation as separate readiness indicators.